Large-scale spatial and temporal dynamics of the vulnerable and highly mobile superb parrot

Adrian D. Manning*, David B. Lindenmayer, Simon C. Barry, Henry A. Nix

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    28 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Aim: To investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of the vulnerable and highly mobile superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) across its range in south-eastern mainland Australia. Location: South-eastern Australia (27°-37°S latitude and 141°-151°E longitude). Methods: We used generalized additive models (GAMs) to model time-specific bird atlas occurrence data against time-specific plant productivity data, plus a range of environmental predictor variables. We then examined the effects of environmental variables on the temporal and spatial patterns of predicted abundance and distribution of the superb parrot using a correlative mapping approach. Results: Key findings from GAM analysis were: (1) there was a strong positive relationship between abundance and plant productivity in all regions, but (2) the response of abundance to other predictor variables often differed between regions. Correlative mapping predictions of the abundance and distribution of the superb parrot also indicated that: (1) predicted abundance varied through time and space, (2) predicted abundance sometimes decreased in all regions, but at other times some regions had high abundance when others had low, and (3) changes in plant productivity (and therefore climate) were associated with this variation. Main conclusion: The superb parrot favours productive landscapes that are also favoured for agriculture. Movements appear to be associated with seasonal and year to year climate variability. Thus, variation in the recorded abundance of the superb parrot may mask population trends, suggesting that existing population estimates are unreliable. Also, high abundances in some areas, and at some times, may reflect deteriorating habitat conditions elsewhere rather than species recovery. Temporal variability in the distribution of the superb parrot makes it difficult to identify specific drought refugia. Consequently, through time, as key habitat continues to deteriorate, the species will become increasingly vulnerable and threatened. Whole-landscape habitat conservation and restoration strategies are therefore needed to sustain superb parrot populations in the long-term.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)289-304
    Number of pages16
    JournalJournal of Biogeography
    Volume34
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Feb 2007

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Large-scale spatial and temporal dynamics of the vulnerable and highly mobile superb parrot'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this